Chocolate Chip Cookies with M&Ms
Get ready to experience the ultimate treat with our irresistible Chocolate Chip Cookies with M&Ms recipe! These cookies combine the classic gooey texture of chocolate chip cookies with the vibrant crunch of colorful M&Ms, making them the perfect crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe delivers pure joy in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Texture: Soft, chewy centers with crispy edges create the best cookie experience.
- Fun and Colorful: M&Ms add a pop of color and a satisfying crunch in every bite.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can bake these anytime.
- Kid-Friendly: These cookies are a hit with kids and adults alike, making them great for parties.
- Customizable Flavor: You can easily swap out M&Ms for other candies or nuts to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Chocolate Chip Cookies with M&Ms lies in their simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building that rich flavor, delightful texture, and playful color that makes these cookies so special.
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives the cookies structure and chewiness.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread just right.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a tender crumb when softened.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps with browning for a lovely golden edge.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a caramel-like depth to the cookie.
- Vanilla extract: Brings out the warm, inviting aroma and flavor.
- Large eggs: Binds ingredients together creating moisture and softness.
- Chocolate chips: Classic chunks of melty chocolate that please any sweet tooth.
- M&Ms: Adds a colorful crunch and extra bursts of chocolate in every bite.
Variations for Chocolate Chip Cookies with M&Ms
This recipe is a fantastic base that you can easily customize to match your taste buds, dietary needs, or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!
- Nut-free version: Omit nuts and stick to classic chocolate chips and M&Ms for allergy-friendly treats.
- Peanut butter twist: Substitute part of the butter with peanut butter for a nutty flavor.
- Vegan adaptation: Use plant-based butter and a flax egg to make these cookies vegan-friendly.
- Double chocolate: Add cocoa powder to the dough for chocolate lovers who want an extra rich cookie.
- Healthier swap: Replace some flour with oat flour and use dark chocolate M&Ms for a slightly healthier kick.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookies with M&Ms
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather and measure all your ingredients to keep things smooth. Make sure your butter is softened and eggs are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside to combine evenly.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until fluffy and pale, about 2-3 minutes, which helps create a lighter cookie texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract, ensuring everything is well incorporated.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mix to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so be gentle.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and M&Ms
Using a spatula, fold in the chocolate chips and M&Ms evenly throughout the dough, saving a few M&Ms for topping if you want that extra colorful look.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Spoon rounded tablespoons of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Optionally, press a few extra M&Ms on top for a vibrant presentation.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown but centers are just set. Let cookies cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Chip Cookies with M&Ms
- Chill the dough: Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes to control spreading and enhance flavor.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Makes mixing easier and results in better texture.
- Don’t overmix: Keeps the cookie tender and prevents toughness.
- Choose quality M&Ms and chocolate chips: Use fresh candy to keep colors bright and flavors pure.
- Watch the bake time closely: Take cookies out just as edges turn golden for soft centers.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookies with M&Ms
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra M&Ms or mini chocolate chips on top after baking for an inviting, colorful look that makes these cookies hard to resist.
Side Dishes
Pair your cookies with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a cup of your favorite coffee or hot chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack cookies in a mason jar layered with colorful ribbons for gifts, arrange them on a festive platter at parties, or use them as edible toppers on cupcakes or ice cream sundaes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Adding a slice of bread helps maintain softness by locking in moisture.
Freezing
Freeze baked cookies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw cookies at room temperature before serving to enjoy their full flavor.
Reheating
Warm cookies for 10-15 seconds in the microwave or 5 minutes in a preheated 300°F oven to bring back that fresh-baked softness and melty chocolate goodness.
FAQs
Can I use other candies instead of M&Ms?
Absolutely! You can substitute M&Ms with Reese’s Pieces, mini chocolate chunks, or even chopped nuts to customize your cookie flavor and texture.
What type of chocolate chips work best?
Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips work beautifully, but feel free to mix in white or dark chocolate chips for extra variety and flavor contrast.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, making sure it contains xanthan gum for structure, and follow the recipe as usual.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes! Use vegan butter alternatives, a flaxseed or chia egg substitute, and vegan chocolate chips to create delicious vegan-friendly Chocolate Chip Cookies with M&Ms.
Why do my cookies spread too much?
This can happen if the dough is too warm or you used too much butter. Chilling the dough before baking helps control spreading for perfectly shaped cookies.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this foolproof Chocolate Chip Cookies with M&Ms recipe in your baking arsenal, it’s time to treat yourself and your loved ones. Easy, fun, and absolutely delicious, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite. So grab your mixing bowl, gather those colorful candies, and enjoy the sweet magic of homemade perfection!
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PrintChocolate Chip Cookies with M&Ms
Experience the perfect blend of soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies with a fun, colorful crunch from M&Ms. This easy-to-make recipe delivers irresistible cookies with crispy edges and gooey centers, ideal for parties, family treats, or anytime you crave a sweet, joyful bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard (Gluten free version available with substitution)
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup M&Ms (plus extra for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather and measure all ingredients. Ensure butter is softened and eggs are at room temperature for optimal mixing.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light, fluffy, and pale, about 2-3 minutes to create a lighter texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined to avoid toughness.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips and M&Ms: Use a spatula to gently fold in chocolate chips and M&Ms evenly, reserving some M&Ms for topping if desired.
- Scoop and Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart. Optionally, press extra M&Ms on top for vibrant presentation.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft. Cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Chill dough for at least 30 minutes to control spreading and improve flavor.
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and best texture.
- Do not overmix dough to keep cookies tender and avoid toughness.
- Choose high-quality M&Ms and chocolate chips for vibrant colors and rich flavor.
- Monitor baking time closely to maintain soft centers and golden edges.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: chocolate chip cookies, M&Ms cookies, chewy cookies, colorful cookies, party treats, easy baking, kid friendly
